Home hacks: 8 ridiculously simple ways to better your abode
Make your abode much prettier - and more organised and efficient - with these easy-peasy home hacks. Say goodbye to expensive decorating ideas and timely DIY projects, these handy hints are so simple that you may just want to try every single one.
Revive scratched furniture
Rub a walnut on damaged furniture to cover up dings and scratches. With a little rubbing you will be amazed as the marks begin to darken and disappear
Silence the squeak
Say goodbye to squeaky floors with a sprinkle of talcum powder between your floorboards, then sweep over to ensure powder falls between the floorboards.
Embellish curtains
To add just the right dash of colour to any room and to turn simple curtains into a statement feature in your home, add fringing from the craft store (pompom fringing) either along the bottom of your curtains or in stripes across the curtains from top to bottom.
Strawberry straw tool
Use a straw to hull strawberries – it’s quick and you don’t need to buy another tool for the kitchen.
Ice, ice baby
Ice cubes can take indentation out of carpets. Simply place cubes a centimetre or so apart to cover the indentation. As the ice melts the indents begin to fluff back.
Cereal box chic
Never throw away an empty cereal box again. Cut them, make them pretty by covering them in lovely mix and matching paper or contact and use them to organise your drawers.
Wire basket light shade
Scour your local bargain shop or vintage markets for a wire basket of your liking. Cut a whole in the bottom in the shape of your ceiling light/fixture and attach. Remember, it doesn't have to be in perfect condition—rustic charm is in. Voila, you have a lovely bespoke basket pendant light.
A fresh as a lemon
Rid bad smells from your microwave with a squeeze of lemon. It’s the easiest way to deodorise and clean it at the same time. Simply cut half a lemon, sprinkle some salt on the lemon and then use it to scrub the microwave.
Image: Getty Images